Novel Surgical Technique and Early Kinesiotherapy for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

Abstract

Background:

This prospective study was performed to investigate the contribution of early kinesiotherapy, the active exercise and movement of the ankle and knee joints, following a novel surgical technique for reconstruction of the acutely ruptured Achilles tendon and the underlying mechanisms involved.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and seven patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture received postoperative early kinesiotherapy treatment following the novel “Pa-bone” surgical technique. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Achilles tendon rupture score, a score for measuring outcomes related to symptoms and physical activity, and bilateral ultrasonographic examination of the Achilles tendon.

Results:

Range-of-motion recovery equal to the intact side averaged 7 weeks. Double-legged heel rises and sustained single-leg heel rise exercises were possible at an average of 1 week and 60 ± 2 days, respectively. All patients could perform single-leg heel rise of the injured foot for 60 ± 23 seconds at an average of 12 weeks. No rerupture was observed. In addition, ultrasonographic examination revealed that the cross-sectional areas of the ruptured tendon were significantly larger than those of the healthy side. Overall reconstruction of the Achilles tendon was obtained for most of the patients.

Conclusion:

Postoperative early kinesiotherapy treatment following Pa-bone surgical technique resulted in excellent clinical outcomes and contributed to the overall reconstruction of the Achilles tendon.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series